With the holiday season swiftly approaching, the Corowa Rotary Club has once again joined hands with the local community to spread the spirit of giving.
This year’s “Giving Tree” initiative, hosted at Waldron’s Fresh on River IGA Supermarket, is set to make a significant difference in the lives of those less fortunate during the festive season.
The Giving Tree,which has become a cherished tradition in Corowa, involves collecting non-perishable food items, which will be directed to the local St Vincent de Paul “Christmas Hamper” project, ensuring that everyone in the community can enjoy a happy and bountiful Christmas.
The idea for the Giving Tree initiative sprouted in 2005 when ex-Rotarians Gail and John Law approached Corowa’s Supa IGA and the St Vincent de Paul Conference. Their vision was to provide support to locals who find themselves facing difficult circumstances during the holiday season.
Corowa Rotary Club’s Gary Poidevin OAM said the initiative was about the community coming together to support those in need.
“We invite everyone to join us in spreading the spirit of giving this Christmas,” he said.
Craig Waldron said the supermarket is proud to be a part of the Giving Tree project.
“We appreciate the opportunity to support the local community. It’s a great feeling to see so many people contributing to make Christmas special for everyone,” he said.
Apart from the Corowa Rotary Club, several other community groups, including the Corowa Lions Club, local schools, industries, and church groups, have rallied behind the St Vincent de Paul “Christmas Hamper” project. Generous individuals from the community have also shown their support by making donations.
The St Vincent de Paul Conference members work tirelessly to assist individuals and families in need not just in Corowa but also in nearby areas such as Mulwala, Urana, Howlong, and Rutherglen.
To register their interest in receiving a Christmas Hamper, people in need can contact the St Vincent de Paul assistance mobile at 0417119820.
Those eligible will receive a voucher that will enable them to collect a hamper on Monday, December 18, at St Mary’s Church Hall in Corowa, between 9:30am and 12noon.
While the Giving Tree initiative has a good supply of children’s gifts, the focus this year is primarily on collecting non-perishable food items.
All contributions, big or small, are greatly appreciated and will go a long way in ensuring that everyone in the community can enjoy a warm and festive Christmas.